The World Stage: Brazil Series by Kehinde Wiley

1. MarechalFloriano Peixoto (FROM THE WORLD STAGE: Brazil Series), 2009Kehinde Wiley American 1977-presentOil on canvas

2. About the Artist… • Kehinde Wiley, born in Los Angeles, is a large-scale portraitist • Typical subjects are “urban, black and brown” young men • He sees them as a reflection of himself and representations of cultural exchange • First subjects originated from Harlem • Has since taken an international focus with his art • Travels around the globe to places he feels Americans view as ‘exotic’

3. His subject choices stem from his interest in shining light on cultures that have traditionally been invisible in the art world • Adds modern themes and everyday people to artworks representing a country’s history • Portraits highlight underrepresented youth in an effort to include them in their country’s narrative • Intends to elevate these native, urban men to redefine their role in society and eliminate their label as foreign or exotic

4. CONSIDER THE CONTEXT • This work is part of the third installment of Wiley’s series The World Stage • Created during 2008-2009 residency in Brazil • Depicts Afro-Brazilian males in poses drawn from iconic and art-historically recognizable portraits of rich, powerful, and usually white men • These portraits explore how power is defined and represented • The Afro-Brazillian men in this portrait are residents of Rio de Janero’s favelas (slums)

5. Their poses are adapted from two figures at the base of a famous monument dedicated to the military marshal and second President of Brazil, Floriano Peixoto • The two figures in the sculpture are meant to represent the original inhabitants of Brazil • Similar to the men in Wiley’s painting, these men portray the real, working class of Brazil • However, unlike the men in the statue, the men in Wiley’s painting stare back at the viewer • They reveal a sense of empowerment, a quality that is heightened by their monumental size

6. Questions to start a conversation: • What are some similarities and differences between the sculpture and painting • Look at the background of the art. How would the work be different with another style behind the men? Would a solid or neutral color background change how the painting is viewed? • Consider the clothing of the two men. What clues about the subjects and their environment can be inferred from the clothes? • Compare this portrait to portraits you are familiar with. (or even with your own school photo) If you were being painted or photographed for a large scale portrait, would you dress in a similar or different fashion? • How does the artist use color and/or scale to reflect a particular time, tradition, or culture?

7. ART STARTS • Portraits • Materials • Drtawing paper • Colored pencils, fine –line markers, or other materials • Instructions • Keinde Wiley selects his models from young people he finds when visiting inner cities. Have students select a friend, family member, or even themselves • Have students identify a personality trait, hobby, or interest of their subject • Have students create a full body portrait if their subject, leaving the background empty • Using the identifying trait, have students create a symbol to represent this • Have students fill in the background of their portrait with this symbol • Add color to add interest and contrast to the background